U.S. Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands National Park on St. John protects extensive coral reefs and surrounding submerged lands, making it one of the premier snorkeling and diving destinations in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Established in 1956, Virgin Islands National Park covers about 60% of the land area of St. John; its boundaries were expanded in 1962 and again in 2001 with the adjacent Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. The park's reefs support sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and large numbers of tropical fish, with well-known sites such as Waterlemon Cay, Congo Cay and Grass Cay. Scuba diving is restricted to designated areas rather than off open swim beaches within the park.